Sanju Samson was the centre of attention at India’s training session in Chennai as Rinku Singh flew home due to a family emergency, leaving his availability uncertain for the Super Eight match against Zimbabwe. Rinku has struggled for runs in the tournament, and his absence could open the door for Samson to return to the playing XI and add a right-hand option to a largely left-handed top order. Suryakumar Yadav is also in contention for the No. 3 role.
Samson had an extended workout under lights at Chepauk, batting against both pace and spin and later doing wicketkeeping drills. He looked strong against short-pitched bowling, pulling Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh confidently to the leg side, but was less assured against a good length outside off, where he tended to stay back and swing without much foot movement. Similar issues had troubled him in the lead-up series against New Zealand. Once the spinners came on, however, he appeared more fluent, striking Varun Chakravarthy for a clean six over the off side and rotating strike with ease.
India are also considering their balance after the heavy loss to South Africa. The team management has been wary of having too many left-handers at the top, as opponents have successfully used offspin match-ups against them. Samson’s inclusion would help break that pattern.
Axar Patel, who missed the previous two games, bowled and batted in the nets and could return on the black-soil pitch expected for the Zimbabwe match. While the surface may not offer sharp turn, it is likely to provide some grip for spinners along with good value for shots.
Openers Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma practised against offspin and a local mystery spinner replicating Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza’s style. India will have another training session before the game as they finalise their combination for a crucial Super Eight fixture.
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